Issue 207 of the world's largest
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Locate Wal-Mart stores
Use this directory to plan free overnight stays.
Get easy driving directions to every Wal-Mart in America.
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Editor's Corner
by Jerry (RiverGuy) Brown
What is it about water?
I love camping near water, and I know I'm in not unique. Those
waterfront spots always fill up first -- and they often carry a premium
price. Ocean front, lakeside or river bank: it doesn't seem to matter.
We're all drawn to water.
I find water appealing on many levels. The rhythmic
ebb and flow of the surf is among the most soothing of sounds. The
burbling of a rill or small stream seems to be a universally happy
sound. The roar of rushing water is always satisfying, whether it's
from a nearby creek or a more distant cascade or waterfall. Do you
sleep better to the accompaniment of the sounds of water? I know I do
-- unless it's the sound of water dripping!
 |
| Fifth wheel camping at Salmon River, Idaho, by jkbrown |
On the visual level, what scene
isn't more appealing with water in it? Dramatic seascape, reflected
landscape, or just a bucolic rural scene enlivened by the graceful
curve of a stream. Artists have known this for generations.
Then there's sports: boating, fishing, swimming,
diving. I could write an entire essay just on this aspect. We are of
course creatures of water. We're mostly made of water and our lives
depend on it. So beyond the esthetic angles, I suspect there is a basic
and universal aquatic appeal that we are born with.
For all of these reasons and probably more, I love
being near water. One of the great benefits of the RV lifestyle is the
ability to travel to and stay near all kinds of natural and
recreational water resources. Over the course of a few days or weeks, I
can enjoy the entire spectrum. Wherever I travel, you'll nearly always
find me near water.
I hope you find this issue informative and
fun. Please email us with your suggestions for topics you'd like to
know more about. Send your comments to jerry@rvtravel.com.
A short note of apology for the broken links that
went out in the midweek issue last time. We try to check everything
before we publish, but once in a while something slips through. Thanks
to those of you who wrote to let us know. OK, here we go...
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THE DIGITAL RV
Learn
everything "digital" as it relates to an RVer: Connecting to the
Internet, setting up a mini stereo system, managing digital photos,
mastering GPS and more. Order or get more info.
RV Park Spotlight!
Horspitality RV Resort and Boarding Stables, Wickenburg, Ariz.
In
years gone by, this mining town of the Old West was popular for its
many dude ranches. Following in these traditions, the Horspitality RV
Resort just south of town welcomes RVers and their horses. The resort
has immediate access to hundreds of miles of hiking and horse trails.
ATV trails are also available for those with mechanical mounts.
Activities such as bingo, cards, potluck dinners, barbeques, and cowboy
breakfasts are arranged frequently. The park has 85 full hookup sites
in addition to some with water and electric only. Reservations and info
at (928) 684-2519.
2006 Guide to Dinghy Towing -- NEW LOW PRICE!
If
you plan to pull a vehicle behind your motorhome, the 2006 Guide to
Dinghy Towing from Motorhome Magazine should be an essential resource
about how to do it. PRICE CHOPPED TO ONLY $2.98. Order or get more info.
 |
| Worlds Largest Potato by C Woodbury |
Roadside America
Idaho
is of course famous for its potatoes, so where else would you expect to
find the world's largest? Head for the eastern Idaho town of Driggs
where this monster tuber attracts attention to the Spud Drive-In
Theatre. For those not familiar with Idaho vernacular, a "spud" is a
potato, and the bigger the better.
2006 Next Exit Directory
Don't get lost! Never take a wrong exit off an Interstate highway again. The 2006 Next Exit
lists every exit along every Interstate and what's at each:
campgrounds, fuel, truck stops, casinos, malls, rest areas, hospitals
and more. Learn more or order.
From the Free Camping File
The Big Texan: Amarillo, Texas
Off
I-40 on the east side of town behind Big Texan Restaurant. Great place
to eat and sleep. Open for breakfast in the morning. Just follow the
signs around to the back. Free.
Do you know of a free or inexpensive ($10 or less) campground? Please share it at FreeCampgrounds.com
Quartzsite, Arizona. See it on DVD!
Visit the Boondocking Capital of the West on DVD. Like being there!
Reader Survey
Do you snore when you sleep? Answer here.
Read previous reader surveys
Camp Hosting in State Parks. Learn how!
Finally,
a guide to everything you need to know about working or volunteering as
a campground host in one of America's thousands of state parks. New
book tells how and provides specifics about jobs with contact
information. Read more or order,
No license required at these fishing holes
There's
no such thing as a national fishing license, so when RVing anglers
travel outside their own state, they need to buy a temporary license in
each state they fish. Big hassle! That is. . . unless they fish at
private lakes and ponds. And lucky for RVers, plenty of RV parks have
such facilities. We'll profile such parks each issue.
Mill Pond Village RV and Mobile Home Park, Hot Springs, Ark.
Fish
for free at the Mill Pond. Other amenities at this RV park include
swimming pool, clubhouse with pool tables, and barbeque. They're just a
few miles from I-30 and only five miles from the city of Hot Springs.
For serious water recreation it's only 4 miles to Lakes Hamilton and
Catherine. Hot Springs National Park is only a little farther. Full
hookups at $15 for 30 amp service and $20 for 50 amp. Reservations and
details at (501) 525-3959.
EXPLORER RV: Insurance to protect and save: Owners
of motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels & medium-duty tow
vehicles save up to 15% over our largest competitors by tailoring their
coverage from over a dozen options. Learn more or get a quote.
Peggi's Packing Tips
Liquor Storage
Glass
liquor bottles remain safe and secure stored in the bottom half of
cardboard milk cartons. Wedge plastic containers between the cartons.
Peggi McDonald is the author of the eBook RV Packing Tips, Life Lessons & Easy Living Tips.
2006 Campground Directories and other new RV guides
From Trailer Life, Woodalls and other publishers. Check 'em out.
State Park of the Week
Nestled in southeastern Missouri, Lake Wappapello State Park
offers a variety of recreation opportunities. Enjoy miles of hiking,
backpacking, equestrian and all-terrain bicycle trails. Water
recreational opportunities include swimming, fishing, boating and water
skiing, with a swimming beach and paved boat ramps. The lake has an
excellent population of white bass, crappie and bluegill, as well as
largemouth bass and catfish. Camp up on the ridge or nestle near the
lake; both provide basic and electric hookup campsites, hot showers,
restrooms and laundry facilities. Hookups are $15, $12 for seniors.
Information at (573) 297-3232.
Cell phone won't work in out-of-the-way places? Smoothtalker can help. Talk or get online in places you could never get online before. Learn more.
Halls o' Fame
This week we're featuring the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame --
we're talking horse racing here. It's located in Saratoga Springs, near
Albany, New York, across from the historic Saratoga Race Course, the
oldest operating track in the country. This hall honors the
achievements of the sport's great horses, jockeys, and trainers. Visit
the hall online
for biographies, records and detailed statistics for all of the
inductees. Plan on a personal visit to the museum to enjoy the sights
and sounds of horse racing, including a renowned equine art collection,
stunning trophies, beautiful silks, and Thoroughbred memorabilia.
Details at (800) 562-5394.
NEED AN RV LOAN?
Learn if you qualify in only seconds
Financial Underwriters Network (F.U.N.) provides exceptional service and low loan rates. Learn if you qualify.
RV Factory Tours
Take virtual tours of truck camper factories: At the North American Truck Camper Owners Association website,
you will find photographs from tours of several different manufacturers
as well as a complete listing of truck camper builders.
2006 Traveler's Guide to the FIREARM LAWS of the 50 States
Don't
carry a weapon across state lines without knowing the laws. What's
legal in one state may be a felony in another. Explains the specific
gun laws of every U.S. state. Many changes since last year. Still only
$12.95. Learn more or order.
Little-known National Treasures
National Parks, National Monuments and other federally operated places
Visit the place where the American Revolution began. MINUTE MAN NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK is
located 22 miles outside of Boston within the towns of Lexington,
Lincoln and Concord, Mass. The park commemorates the opening battles of
the American Revolution and the "shot heard round the world." Ride
along historic Battle Road while your costumed guide recounts the
exciting events of April 19, 1775. The Liberty Ride, a 90-minute bus
tour, stops at Lexington and Concord's historic sites and attractions.
Call park headquarters at (978) 369-6993 for details or visit its website.
DVD tells what it's like to be a full-time RVer
Anyone who is thinking of traveling full-time with an RV will have his or her questions answered in this wonderful 90-minute DVD. Interviews with dozens of full-timers as well as experts on the lifestyle. Learn more or order.
Tourist Railroads
Take a trip back to 1880 on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, the
most spectacular example of steam-era mountain railroading in
North
America. Its equipment, structures and landscape exist today as if
frozen in the first half of the twentieth century. The C&TS steam
locomotives labor up steep grades carrying visitors over high trestles,
through tunnels, and above yawning gorges. Departing from Antonito,
Colo. or Chama, N.M., all fares include hot lunch served at the remote
railroad town of Osier, Colo. Parlor car guests ride in a carpeted and
paneled coach featuring complimentary snacks and attendant service. The
C&TS ranges in elevation from 7,863 to 10,015 feet. Due to the
changes in altitude and the variability of the weather, layered
clothing is advised. Ticket info is available at its website or call (888) 286-2737.
Buying an RV? Get online prices from dealers in your area & SAVE!
In
less than 60 seconds, request quotes on new or used RVs from up to
three dealers in your area. Compare quotes to find your best deal! No
charge, no obligation. Learn more or get quotes.
Fulltimer Tip from Russ De Maris
Non-vented heaters, that is, those that do not have an "outside" air breather, suck oxygen from inside an RV. NEVER operate any non-vented heater in an RV without following manufacturer recommendations
on providing air. Yes, you'll have to open a vent or window, and yes,
some cold air will come in. Better to live with a little bit of fresh
air coming in the window of your "little tin box," than lying down in a
windowless "little wooden box."-- Russ De Maris is the editor of FulltimeRVer.com.
For more on this subject, read the whole article on alternative RV heaters here.
"HOW TO BUY AN RV" from the Better Business Bureau
New
50-minute DVD from the BBB explains how to buy an RV. Learn how to get
the best deal, the best rig (for you) and how to avoid classic buying
mistakes. Hosted by RV Travel editor Chuck Woodbury. Introductory price: $19.95. Available in DVD and VHS.
Day Cruises
Lady of the Lake's headline reads "Cruise the Deepest Gorge in North America."
Lake Chelan extends 55 miles into the heart of the beautiful Washington
Cascade Mountain Range, with surrounding peaks in excess of 9000 feet.
Four- and six-hour and all-day cruises are offered, depending on
season. Schedules and reservations at (509) 682-4584 or at its website.
Convenient accommodations are available. Lakeshore RV
Park, operated by the city of Chelan, has 165 full hookup sites. Nearby
Lake Chelan State Park has 35 utility sites, but they are limited to
rigs 30 feet and under.
Casino Camping: 2006 Guide to RV-Friendly Campgrounds
JUST PUBLISHED! This is the
best casino guide for RVers. Learn which casinos have RV parks or offer
free overnight stays. Plus information about other casino benefits an
freebies for RVers. Learn more or order
Camping with Pets
By Christy Powers
Preparing
the doggie duffle will ensure that you have what you need for your pets
on the go. Proper leashes, extra collars, grooming supplies, dishes and
treats should all be on the list and in the duffle. You will be
continually adding to the list with special needs of your own pets. Read more.
A resource book: Camping and RVing with Dogs
Gleanings from the Forum
Fun
in this week's forum thread -- a joint effort on composing lyrics for a
new song: "Waltzing Across Wal-Mart." Or how about "Home, Home on the
Road?" Care to add your two cents here?
Do you drive a really BIG RV?
RVers with big rigs will love the 2006
Rand McNally Motor Carriers' Road Atlas. Designed for truckers, this
atlas shows where to travel to avoid low overpasses and narrow roads
where a big RV could get into trouble.Learn more or order.
Big Rig RV Park
If you drive a coach 34 feet or longer, you just can't squeeze into any ol' RV park. Here from the Big Rigs Best Bets Campground Directory is one park that loves super-sized rigs:
GRACELAND RV PARK & CAMPGROUND, Memphis, Tennessee
If
you yearn to sleep close to Elvis (but not permanently, like the King),
then here's where to hole up in Elvis country -- right on Presley Blvd.
To get into the park, turn right just before reaching Heartbreak Hotel.
If you have a really long rig, try for sites 18 and 19, which can
handle up to 90 feet. Streets are paved, but sites are gravel. Data
port for geeky types. No swiming pool, but hey, what do you want when
you get to sleep in the same neighborhood as the King himself?
Fractional RV Ownership
CoachShare
is a better way to own a luxury motorcoach! Do you dream of owning a
luxurious motorcoach, but don't want the year-round expense and hassles
of private ownership? Why not "share" a luxury coach with CoachShare?
Pay only for the time you need and save up to 80 percent over full-time
ownership. Learn more.
Tech Tips from Chris Dougherty
RV frames need care too.
Think about it… the RV frame is exposed to a rough environment almost
all the time. It is usually moist, dirty, and has all kinds of road
debris being chucked at it. Most RV frames have some level of rust. So
it goes without saying that trying to keep that rust away will help
give your RV a longer life, it will look better and be easier to
service as well.
If you have a newer unit with a small amount of
surface rust, there's not much prep work you’ll have to do. You'll want
to make sure the painting surface is reasonably clean,and go to work.
But if you have an older unit that hasn't had much attention, and the
paint is scaling with more severe rust, that must be cleaned up prior
to painting. All the loose paint and rust should be scraped off, then
the steel primed and painted. Read more.
Visit RVtechTips.com for more suggestions on RV technical issues.
Books and DVDs about repairing and maintaining an RV
See the big selection of titles at RVbookstore.com
Upcoming RV Shows
March 3-5, New Orleans Spring RV & Camping Show, Kenner, LA
March 3-5, NC RV Outdoor Extravaganza, Fayetteville, NC
March 3-5, Vermont State RV & Camping Show, Essex Junction, VT
March 9-12, Montreal RV Show, Montreal, QC (CANADA)
March 9-12, Sioux Empire Sportsmen's Boat, Camping & Vacation Show, Sioux Falls, SD
March 9-12, Port Huron Camper & RV Show, Port Huron, MI
March 10-12, Atlantic City RV & Camping Show, Atlantic City, NJ
March 10-12, Virginia RV Show, Hampton, VA
March 10-12, Dodge Columbus RV SuperShow, Columbus, OH
March 10-12, Campers World RV Show, York, PA
March 10-12, Eastern Iowa Sports, Boat, RV & Vacation Show, Cedar Falls, IA
Mail Forwarding Service
"Accuracy & Punctuality" - receive your U.S. mail while traveling...$12.00 monthly. Learn more...
Quote of the week
"I would rather lose in a cause that will some day win, than win in a cause that will some day lose!" --- Woodrow Wilson
Drive safely: Don't speed. Don't drink and drive (except root beer!)
RV Travel staff
Editor: Jerry (RiverGuy) Brown, Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Contributors: Christy Powers, Chris Dougherty, Mark Polk, Bill and Dot Bell. Forum Administrator: Adrienne Kristine. Office Manager: Jody Allcott. Web Operations Director: Zoey Platt. Warehouse Administrator: Walter Cardwell. Phone Orders Supervisor: Martha Lamb. Clapper Loader: Emily Woodbury. Mascot: Georgie, the "give me food now or else!" Jack Russell terrier.
RV Travel is copyright 2006 by RVbookstore.com. Our International Headquarters: RVbookstore.com, 170 W. Dayton Street, Suite 103, Edmonds WA 98020, USA
